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One Block, Many Looks

It is amazing how just one block can produce so many different looks. In this wonderful antique quilt from the collection of Julie Hendricksen, the unknown quiltmaker formed 81-Patch blocks in multiple ways.

Deliberate Diagonals

In this block, a red print is used in every other square. When the quiltmaker ran out of red print, she filled in the remaining squares with a black floral, deliberately placing them to form a diagonal row and four corners.

Diverse Fabrics

Radiating Squares

Even though this block is scrappy, the quiltmaker arranged it in an orderly fashion to make radiating squares of mostly matching pieces. Note the interesting brown honeycomb print, which is paired with a pale pink floral stripe to form the second square from the outside.

Blue With Brown

Pretty in Pink

Five different pink prints and plaids form every other square in this block. In the gold and navy blue stripe that forms a diagonal row in the block, some of the small squares are pieced, indicating these may have been cut from a garment.

Checkerboard with a Twist

Interesting Color Combos

In addition to the interesting patterns formed in the blocks, the fabrics in this quilt are intriguing. Collector Julie Hendricksen says, "Most of the quilts I own are from the late 1890s and combine pink with shirtings and indigo. This quilt combines pink with green, brown and cheddar."